Four of Ten: Alicia Keys

My sister asked me last summer if I could have any job in the world right now, what would it be. I said, 'I'd want to be like Alicia Keys.' She said, 'So basically you want to be a rockstar.' I said, 'I just want to go out and do my thing really really good, like Alicia.' She just kind of smirked at me and walked away.

If that question was asked to me again right now, I would probably answer something along those lines.

Alicia Keys inspires me beyond belief. She makes me want to be a better person. Kind of like Oprah, only musical. She's incredibly passionate about her music, and she's smart. She almost went to Columbia, but then opted to pursue a career in music. Maybe that's why I'm so fascinated with Columbia...

Last June, I saw Alicia in concert here in Boston. When I found out she was going to be here, I knew I had to go. Well, there was a slight conflict: my senior class trip. My first thought was to not go to the show, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see the one and only Alicia Keys. So then I thought I would just skip my class trip because come on--it's Alicia Keys! I told my friends that, and this conversation went on for a while:

"But, Amy! It's your senior class trip!"
"Yeah, but..It's Alicia Keys! ALICIA KEYS!"

Then I had a brainstorm, and figured out a way to do both. I was able to go on two thirds of my class trip AND (more importantly) go see Alicia Keys.

Why, why was I so determined to see Alicia Keys? I think it's because she's just that damn good. It's not like her last tour was her farewell tour. To my friends, sacrificing a few days with them for a concert was outrageous, and probably would have been held over my head for the rest of my life. For me, had it been necessary, I would have done it. That says something about how much Alicia has influenced me. She's beautiful, smart, talented, and nice. Why wouldn't I want to see her live? Especially with As I Am being such a killer album, I had to hear it live!

Alicia pushes me to my limit. She's definitely not the only person that makes me push myself, but she's one of the bigger influences, especially musically. Although, as soon as you hear my stuff, you'll be like, 'What is she talking about? I don't hear any Alicia Keys in this!' That's because if I were to try and incorporate some of her stuff into my music, it wouldn't make sense.

And if there's one thing I've learned from Alicia Keys, it's to be true to yourself 100% of the time.

Delay

My apologies. I was without the Internet for a few fantastic days in New York City.

I am going to do a series of posts on people that have influenced me. I used to not want to talk about my influences because the second I talk about how much I love Billy Joel you will immediately hear the influence in my music. I can't hold back any longer. I'm bursting.

So here's a list to satisfy my own needs:

(They're in alphabetical order)

The Beatles
Eric Clapton
Tina Fey
Mick Jagger/Keith Richards/The Rolling Stones
Billy Joel
Alicia Keys
Seinfeld (as in the TV show)
Bob Thompson
U2
The Who

I'll start with those ten. They may change, but that's not likely. If anything, I'll add more.

Anyway, I'm back at Berklee, and there is work to be done and some cleaning to do. In ten short, beautiful days, I will be back in New York City with the Business Club, and I can't wait.

Ten days to accomplish easily twenty days of work. I feel a song coming.

My mind is all over the place these days. More on that later.